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November 7, 2019 -- The National Lung Cancer Roundtable (NLCRT) is expanding its efforts to combat lung cancer by encouraging long-time and former smokers to undergo low-dose CT screening exams as part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

People between the ages of 55 and 80 with a history of smoking are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider about annual screenings with CT. The NLCRT also is offering new videos, infographics, research, and other resources on lung cancer and how early detection can improve chances of survival.

"Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women. Finally, we have a screening exam that will make a major impact and change the face of lung cancer for the future to a survivable cancer, not a death sentence," said Dr. Ella Kazerooni, chair of the NLCRT and professor of radiology and internal medicine at the University of Michigan.

CT screenings are not just for smokers. Approximately 20% of lung cancers occur in people with no history of tobacco usage and are often caused by a genetic mutation, according to the NLCRT. Comprehensive biomarker testing can help identify the cause of certain lung cancers and provide a guide to the most effective treatments.